POSTED AT 12:07 AM ON Oct. 27, 2009 | PRINT | Email | SHARE | COMMENTS (0)

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs announced today it will name the atrium after alumnus Tavis Smiley.

The renaming and dedication will take place at 1:45 p.m. Friday, according to an IU press release.

Smiley recently donated $50,000 to establish a scholarship for SPEA students who are underrepresented in higher education, according to the press release. The school plans to match his donation.

Smiley is the author of 14 books and hosts the “Tavis Smiley” show on PBS, according to the press release. In May 2007, he gave the IU commencement speech.